Falcon Heavy rocket brings crowds, big traffic to Space Coast

Traffic congestion continues to build as Brevard County emergency management officials issue a reminder for motorists there is no stopping, parking or standing.

Author:
J.D. Gallop, Florida Today

Published:
2:06 PM EST February 6, 2018

Updated:
2:13 PM EST February 6, 2018

UPDATE: Traffic along the Pineda Causeway - a major east-west intercoastal highway - is backed up to State Road A1A, according to reports.

TRAFFIC ALERT: A portion of the eastbound lane of State Road 520 has been shut down following a traffic crash on Merritt Island.

The accident happened about 12:50 p.m. Tuesday near the intersection of Tropical Trail. It was not immediately known if any injuries were reported.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Traffic congestion continues to build as Brevard County emergency management officials issue a reminder for motorists there is no stopping, parking or standing on any highway as the launch gets underway.

"It was getting busy, but no major problems," said Kim Montes, spokeswoman for the Florida Highway Patrol.

And whether the first launch of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy launches or not, motorists can expect heavy traffic throughout the afternoon. So far, there are no major traffic alerts for Brevard, however Jetty Park, one of the more popular spots to watch a lift-off, is now closed to traffic.

Thousands of motorists traveled into Brevard County, crowding beaches and lining causeways to find the best spot to watch the first launch of the SpaceX Falcon on Tuesday.

Traffic was expected to remain heavy in the hours leading up to the launch and in the immediate aftermath.

The rocket has a launch window of 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is expected to generate one of the largest spectator gatherings for a space-related launch since the now-defunct space shuttle program. An estimated 100,000 people are expected to make a special trip to Brevard to watch the launch, in addition to residents, authorities have said.

There were no reports of any major crashes in Brevard. However, by 8:53 a.m. a series of traffic crashes led to a partial road blockage of State Road 528 in Orange County, west of the Brevard County line.

Law enforcement agents were also out in force, patrolling major east-west routes like State Road 528 and State Road 520 along with Interstate 95 and State Road A1A as motorists and tourists angle for an area to watch the launch. Motorists, as with past launches, are also encouraged to have access to water and to be mindful about the potential traffic congestion that follows a launch.

In Palm Bay, officers positioned themselves along several riverside parks in anticipation of the crowds.